The Duke Undone

By: Joanna Lowell

Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells

An artist stumbles upon a naked duke and an unlikely love story begins in this captivating Victorian historical romance.

When Royal Academy painting student Lucy Coover trips over a naked man passed out in an East End alley, she does the decent thing. She covers him up and fetches help. Trouble is, she can't banish his muscular form from her dreams as easily. Compelled to capture every detail, she creates a stunning portrait but is forced to sell it when the rent comes due. What could be worse than surrendering the very picture of your desire? Meeting the man himself.

Anthony Philby, Duke of Weston, is nobody's muse. Upon discovering the scandalous likeness, he springs into action. His infamous family has been torn apart by shame and secrets, and he can't afford more gossip. Even a whisper may jeopardize his inheritance and his chance at independence. His plan is simple: burn the painting, confront the artist. Or rather, it's simple until he meets Lucy and decides to offer the bewitching young artist a devil's bargain. He'll help save her foreclosed home, if she'll help repair his family’s brutal legacy.

An irresistible passion ignites between them, but when danger strikes, Lucy and Anthony must risk everything... for a love that might destroy them both.

Critic reviews

“Lushly dark, riddled with secrets, and seductive….Lowell’s writing oozes a sense of place. [The] sense of authenticity never falters, making this the most Victorian of romance novels.”
—Entertainment Weekly

“I loved The Duke Undone and so will my readers!”
—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author of My Last Duchess

“A beautiful blend of seductive suspense and heart-tugging romance that I could not put down. Romance fans should make room for this author on their keeper shelves!”
—Lyssa Kay Adams, National bestselling author of Crazy, Stupid Bromance

“Joanna Lowell's skillful storytelling and dazzling characters create one of the most exciting new voices in historical romance today.”
—Julia London, New York Times bestselling author of A Princess by Christmas

"A charming romance with an atypical heroine and a to-die-for (and hot!) hero in this unique tale of a duke and a struggling artist in Victorian London.”
—Jennifer Ashley, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Mackenzie Bride

“I really loved this book—in fact, I couldn't put it down. It's a fabulous feast of a story that plunges you into the Victorian era with all its levels and complications — into the art world and among aristocrats and slum-dwellers. There's tension, adventure, derring-do, a fight against corruption on several levels, a rich cast of characters and a hero and heroine to admire and cheer for. All in all, a rich and heartwarming historical romance. Highly recommended.”
—Anne Gracie, National bestselling author of Marry in Scarlet

“Lowell conjures vivid characters in this intelligent Victorian romance… provides plenty of atmospheric intrigue, deepened by Lowell’s willingness to engage with ideas of gender, class, and empire, and by the complexity of the characters.”
—Publishers Weekly

“It’s a lush, sensual and outstanding romance that makes the heart ache in the very best way.”
—BookPage (Starred Review)

"Impeccably researched, Lowell's latest emphasizes justice. This love story tackles weighty issues but remains suspenseful and spellbinding."
—Library Journal (Starred Review)

"Lowell’s prose is vivid and evocative, and issues such as class inequity, women’s rights, and alcohol addiction complement the intense on-page evolution of the love story...those looking for a happy-ever-after for complex and passionate characters will be very satisfied here. A new voice in historical romance that will keep readers riveted."
—Kirkus

Great Romance and Satisfying Character Arcs

I really liked the maturation journey for each of the main characters. There are charming and vibrant side characters that really round out the world.

Excellent story and narration! Loved it!

Excellent story and narration!! The characters were flawed in just the right ways to make them feel like real people. The writing made it easy to really feel what was happening in the story. The narrator was fabulous! Glad I decided to try out this book. Didn’t want to stop listening to the story or the narrator. Loved it all!

Give It A Minute

It drags on. The author really sets the scene with her use of imagery. 3/4's in the climax. It was a lot, too.

Wonderfully written and excellent narration!

It’s been a long time since I’ve had the pleasure of reading a historical romance. I’ve shied away from the for years now, tired of the tropes and the descriptions of sexual encounters that make about 30% of the book. I understand that it’s hard to create a modern hero and heroine in an historical novel, but this author managed it, and it was excellent. Well worded (I love it when proper exact words are used), well written and without any boring tropes… It’s modern without anachronism, wonderfully without lengthy descriptions of surroundings, furnishings or people’s hair (my pet peeve that last one)… Honest and complex feelings for both the Hero and the Heroine… and (huzzah!) finally, a long-awaited historical romance were love-making is NOT central to the story but a natural expression of their feelings for one another (and not just lust)… that does not happen every time they meet! I have to go buy the rest of this author’s books now!

What a ride!

Loved this book! It’s really a good listen the first chapter was confusing but it all made since in the end! Always a pleasure to hear Mary Jane Wells as my narrator she brings the characters to life! The plot is great I really enjoyed this book I would for sure recommend it!

One of the best narrators!

This was a very interesting and easy listen. I love English period fiction. Great steamy scenes and the narrator is just perfect. Definitely would recommend!

Simply brilliant

Joanna Lowell’s writing is absolutely unparalleled. One of the best novels (romance or otherwise) I’ve read in a long time. The narrator is brilliant as well.

All the feels

This was a great book. I look forward to seeing more from this author. The book tackles some tough topics but is not despairing. I was charmed by the hero and heroine. Mary Jane Wells as narrator was wonderful as usual. Highly recommend!

Excellent story. narrator is the best.

Mary Jane Wells brings these characters to life. The characters are believable, exciting and wonderful. Love Anthony's devil-may-care attitude as well as his deep emotional turbulence.

Thoroughly Enjoyable

Well composed, there is a wealth of color, depth and purpose in the story.. It wraps you in a warm tapestry of the senses, you get drawn into the drama, mystery , the highs and lows as well . The sensuality is blazing and well placed.